We invite you to a lecture by Dr. Naglis Kardelis, Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of Vilnius University, titled:

“The Cosmic Čiurlionis: Visions Connecting the Land of His Homeland and the Starry Sky”

In M. K. Čiurlionis’ painterly visions, the cosmic universe appears not as something cold or alienating, but as a majestic and elevated reality—one that remains intimately close to human spiritual experience. In his profound body of work, Čiurlionis succeeds in weaving together a strong sense of Lithuanian identity with universal dimensions of human culture. In his later works, he ventures even further—searching for connections between what is human and what transcends humanity.

This search becomes particularly vivid in the “Star Sonata” series and the monumental painting “Rex”, where Čiurlionis unveils the presence of divinity—both within the human being and the cosmos itself. His art achieves a unique harmony between the local and the global, allowing him to be understood not only as an authentically Lithuanian artist, but also as a creator whose work speaks to people across cultures in the language of universal values.

The lecture will explore this remarkable balance: how Čiurlionis’ artistic imagination embarks on a symbolic journey—from the warm and intimate space of his native homestead (never abandoned or denied) to the starry heavens above. This ascent becomes a spiritual and creative path that gradually tames even the vast and incomprehensible expanses of the cosmos. Through this process, Čiurlionis reveals himself as a truly cosmic creator, reflecting the image of the grand Architect of the Universe—Rex.

Naglis Kardelis (b. 1970) is a Doctor of Humanities, Professor at Vilnius University’s Faculty of Philosophy, Senior Research Fellow at the Lithuanian Institute for Cultural Research, and Chair of the institute’s Academic Council. He is the author of two monographs – “Insight into Unity in Plato’s Philosophy” (2007) and “To Know or to Understand? Perspectives in the Humanities and Natural Sciences” (2008) – as well as numerous scholarly articles published in Lithuanian, English, and Polish. His research interests span ancient Greek philosophy (especially Plato), classical literature, contemporary and Lithuanian philosophy, philosophy of language, comparative philosophy, and philosophy of religion.

This lecture is part of the event program accompanying the exhibition

“From Amber to the Stars: M. K. Čiurlionis, Contemporaries, and Kindred Spirits”

at the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art.

Admission with a museum visitor’s ticket.

The event is public and may be photographed or filmed. By attending, you agree to appear in event photos or video footage and acknowledge that such material may be made publicly available.

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EVENT INFORMATION

Date and Time: April 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Venue: M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

Address: V. Putvinskio St. 55, Kaunas

Tickets: HERE

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ORGANIZERS

M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

Contact: mkc.info@ciurlionis.lt / +370 684 844 63

Program

N. Kardelis' Lecture: “The Cosmic Čiurlionis: Visions Connecting the Land of His Homeland and the Starry Sky”

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